Trying to prevent drowning deaths

Florida leads the nation in the drowning rate for children ages 1 to 14, the Florida Department of Health’s website states.

Oklahoma and Arizona ranked second and third.

This makes sense if one can make sense out of the loss of so many children, because Florida is known as a lake state, many people retire to Florida and many people vacation in Florida because of the attractions, lakes and water on both sides for many things to enjoy.

To combat this, the Lake County Public Safety Department, Lake Emergency Medical Services and six municipalities — including Leesburg —will be taking part in a Water Safety Day on May 17.

Highlights of each event include mock drowning rescues, life jacket fittings, CPR demonstrations, door prizes and giveaways, safety video presentations, swimming lessons and registrations, Elisha Pappacoda, a county public information officer, said in a press release.